found this in a safe

[vb32685]

I found this in my grandmas safe after she passed away and we have no idea what it is.

[rockandrollrods]

I can't tell for sure, but it looks like a compass.

[cogar]

Well, I guess it could be used for a "quick check" of ... or to draw up a deed plat .

I have drawn up 2 or 3 plats such as this one via use of a protractor, , to wit:

[bigwull]

just don,t expect to find your way home with it if you get lost

[mart]

You didn`t give size which would help but it looks like an antique surveyers compass that is missing the face plate !! It would have had NSEW on it !!

[Rauville]

Clinometer?  Used to determine the degree of grade.

Here's something similar:
http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/rare-late-1800s-heavy-brass-inclinometer-clinometer

[talesofthesevenseas]

Clinometer is my guess also. There are many types of them used to determine how far your sailboat is heeled over (tipping to one side) in the water.

[bigwull]

what about stiletto,s....

[cogar]

Clinometer?  Used to determine the degree of grade.

Don't ya need a built in "bubble" level to determine degree of grade?
 
The description at the worthpoint link suggested the same as I did .....

This item may have been for use in map-making for a cartographer or as a surveyor's instrument.

I'll hafta post a picture of what I think is a RR "track laying" clinometer, .... at least I know for a fact that it was made in Railroad, Pennsylvania.

[KC]

I was thinking inclinometer...irre gardless, for clinometer and inclinometer the numbers are different.  Base point on this is 90 not 0.

[mart]

I didn`t even notice that the numbers were only on bottom half !!  Had my great grandaughter ( age 5 ) for overnight visit !!

[KC]

Mart, The numbers are usually along the bottom for a clinometer or inclinometer.  But the center point is generally 0.